KEY POINTS:
Joe Rokocoko seemed remarkably at ease considering his preparation for a test against France essentially amounts to three club rugby matches for Otahuhu.
A rapid jump from Auckland's club competition to the first match of the All Blacks' World Cup year appears dramatic but the 24 year old is taking another fractured preparation for the New Zealand international calendar in his stride after failing to make an impression in the Super 14.
Rokocoko, scorer of 35 tries in 39 tests, finally gets the opportunity to kick start his year after the All Blacks reconditioning period and coach David Nucifora's preference for Rudi Wulf saw the scintillating finisher on the outer at the Blues.
It is not the first time Rokocoko has endured a subdued Super rugby campaign -- in 2005 his form dropped off so dramatically he was exiled to the sevens squad and then Junior All Blacks while the country was gripped by British and Irish Lions fever.
Rokocoko duly fought back from that career blip and that same All Blacks management that demoted him are supremely confident their strike weapon will soon be up to speed following tests against a weakened French side and Canada before the Tri-Nations rolls around.
The left wing was hardly a left field selection when Graham Henry named his side to play France at Eden Park on Saturday night, with the selectors always determined to employ Rokocoko and cousin Sitiveni Sivivatu on the flanks at the earliest opportunity.
For Rokocoko the test will further erase the frustrations associated with his sparing use by Nucifora due to injury and then Wulf's impressive form.
Naturally there are some nerves involved but given the calibre of the French opposition is questionable and the fact he is attuned to regrouping after a tough Super rugby campaign, Rokocoko was almost serene at the All Blacks media session yesterday.
"I know I can do the job, I feel ready."
Rokocoko's mood was buoyed by Henry and his fellow selectors keeping in touch while he was relegated to training at the Blues though he pointed out he had to keep his own spirits up.
"They popped in from time to time but you're a professional, you have to gee yourself up, you can't rely on other guys to do it."
Rokocoko was diplomatic about his lack of opportunities once the reconditioning period ended halfway through the Super 14, rationalising with a complete season at his disposal he would have earned more game time.
"That was just the circumstances this year, I'm sure it will be different (in 2008)."
Until the All Blacks squad assembled in Auckland last Sunday, Rokocoko relied on rare outings for Otahuhu to sharpen his instincts.
They yielded two tries, though from a personal perspective the relatively low key matches served a more useful purpose.
"When I got back to the Super 14 I was slow reading the play so I've been concentrating on that.
"That was my main focus."
He has gradually got to grips with the vagaries of positioning and anticipation and is expecting few problems assimilating to the elite level -- although he warns the French will be no easy beats.
Coach Bernard Laporte named 10 new caps in his 22-man squad yesterday, including rookie wing Benjamin Thiery.
Despite the greenish tinge to the visitors line-up Rokocoko towed the party line by refusing to discount the depleted Six Nations champions.
"We all know about French rugby. Their forwards love to be rough, their backs love to run with the ball.
"It's a test, and any team that plays against the All Blacks gives 110 per cent."
Both sides continue their preparations today with their final training sessions before tomorrow's relaxed captains run at Eden Park.
About 34,000 tickets had been sold for the season opener at the 45,000-seat venue.
- NZPA
